The following is my statement on broadband poles in Mid Worcestershire.
"I am very aware of the strength of feeling regarding the erection of poles to enable enhanced broadband coverage in several parts of my constituency, including Droitwich Spa and Broadway. Over the last several months I have communicated the anger and frustration of many constituents about the way it is being rolled out to appropriate stakeholders including broadband operators, ministers, and Ofcom.
"We all want better broadband but not at any cost - and poles should only be erected if there is no existing infrastructure to leverage and if the alternative methods are prohibitively expensive. I do not believe that this has always been the case and I have asked the telecommunciations regulator, Ofcom to provide clearer guidances which could also help clarify when and where local planning authorities can object to the erection of broadband poles. I know this is something that Wychavon District Council is also investigating.
"In the meantime, I have also appealed to broadband regulators - including Full Fibre - to engage constructively with concerned constituents in a sympathetic way and to use underground routes or move poles to less visually disruptive locations wherever possible.
"Regarding the protests in Broadway today, I always support the right of people to protest peacefully and am aware that the police are monitoring the situation to ensure public safety. I have also spoken to John Whittingdale MP, the relevant minister, today and made him aware of latest developments in my constituents."
